It seems that basketball is a sport that will forever be changing. From the addition of the 3-point line, to the extension of the paint, all these changes are put in place due to the evolution of the game and game styles. One of the more recent changes has been the creation of the “7 seconds or less' offense.” This game plan was first introduced in the 2004-2005 NBA season. Phoenix Suns Coach, Mike D'Antoni, noticed that his team was constructed with not only great shooters, but floor spacers as well. Also, at this point, the relevance of the 3-pointer was in full effect, and analytics pointed to a 3-point shot being more impactful than a 2 pointer. This is where D'Antoni decided to take full advantage of the opportunity.
In a league defined by slow-paced, articulated play, the “7 seconds or less” offense would change the game forever. Basically, the idea was to push the ball down the court, and get a shot up within the first 7 seconds of the shot clock. The plan was for the point guard to run a high-post pick and roll, which would lead to many opportunities. Either the point guard could keep it and drive to the basket, they could dish to the big man on the roll, or they could kick out to a wide open shooter. This often would leave defenses in shambles, in a league where shooting was not yet as prevalent as it is now. This new offensive style led to the league record in 3-pointers taken in a year, with over 2,000 by the Suns alone.
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The “7 seconds or less” offense would not only remain prevalent at the professional level, but made its way down to the college and high school levels as well. College basketball powerhouse, Baylor University, has mimicked this method for a couple years now, cementing themselves as a shoe-in for the March Madness tournament on a yearly basis.
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The implementation of the “7 seconds or less” offense is not only a sign of change in basketball, but in sports in general. With changes to workout styles and diets, athletes are focusing more on explosiveness and agility, along with skill. With this being said, the games are adjusting in a way that makes them much higher intensity. Not to mention the higher-level changes with NIL and the new NCAA Constitutional Convention.
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* Originally published on February 9, 2022, by Brayden Koch
